The story of philanthropic India Inc needs to be told

We need a Humans Of India Inc. Not because we need to glorify country's top CEOs and company owners. No not even because they are short of publicity. But the idea of giving is entirely a story of inspiration. Its genesis doesn't lie in whether your billion is greater than another's million. It lies in vision. It also lies in creating a movement so more people join it and attach themselves to the cause of change. So people can be part of the change they want to see. In my column I look at a few reasons why India Inc's current efforts (and the many yet to come) are stories that need to be told.

There is a perception that corporate India doesn't honour its social contract. To assert its positive contribution to society, its stories must be told. Not every promoter is a thief and most companies are not just 'making money'. In fact, a majority of them are investing, creating jobs and making products and services. India Inc for decades has had an overhang of the negative. The scams and the scandals. Do we forget the private sector has a big role in India's economic story? Are we disillusioned about the way private money in technology is changing how we live and do business? But yet we have a negative idea attached to the idea of doing business, even more to that of making money.

Another issue is the hide and seek nature of corporate India. There is an inherent secretiveness about everything. This applies to their approach to giving as well. Most people (aside of those who have publicly pledged their wealth in the company of Bill Gates and Warren Buffett) are shy of sharing what they donate. Few will mention the social good they may be attached to in media interviews. Change this because you may change others.

A third reason for spreading the word is how the social contract is transforming in the country. India's at that point where it needs to be engaged in the idea of shared economy. Companies need to realise and note their accountability is immediate and so is their impact. Whether it's in car riding or hotel living, what needs to be highlighted is that there is value in shared responsibilities and shared wealth. If it is true that wealth is created and new markets are created using the 'sharing' concept, the same needs to be displayed of those who hold their wealth behind closed doors.

There are many promoters and companies who can do infinitely more. And then there are those who are already giving but won't talk about it. We need more people to give for that we need to hear more stories. If we celebrate it, if we talk about it, if we can see how these trigger a chain reaction and how the social contract comes to reward it back, there will be a new idea of India Inc. Think about it.